Category: Tack

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Airbag Safety Vests: Care and Maintenance

Airbag Safety Vests are the new “must-have” safety equipment of 2020. And it is not without good reason. So far, all our customers love the look, comfort and most importantly, safety of the Helite and Freejump airbag safety vests. The track record (although they have only been out for less than 1 year) has been impressive. First hand accounts from our customers confirm that the vests really deliver on their promise.

In this post, we attempt to answer your questions related to the care and maintenance of your airbag safety vests. If you have questions, please feel free to Contact Us or write your question/comment in the Comments section below. We would love to hear from you.

Can I wash these airbag safety vests?

NO. That is a BIG NO. These airbag safety vests are NOT Machine Washable. Washing them will void the warranty coverage. The built-in airbag system may get damaged in the washer.

If I can not wash them, how do I keep it clean?

Simple. Just wipe clean and let it air. Take a damp cloth and wipe the inside and outside carefully. Please be careful to not let water seep into the cartridge socket at any time.

Do they stretch a bit after use?

Yes, slightly. The built-in airbag upon expansion, does cause the airbag vest to stretch a bit. That is the reason, we insist that on a snug fit when buying.

Can I dry clean these?

Because the inside of the safety vest contains an airbag system, we recommend against dry cleaning as well. The dry clean process may damage the airbag mechanism.

How do I clean the cartridge socket?

Just wipe it clean of any dirt and debris. Do not hose it down as the cartridge mechanism can get damaged and rusted, thereby disabling the airbag entirely.

My airbag will not inflate fully. What happened?

It is best to contact the manufacturer (Helite) to address all warranty issues. If you are in Wellington, Florida, feel free to bring the airbag to our store on Pierson Road. We can help you.

I have more questions. Who can I contact?

Contact Us or leave a comment below. We will respond to you ASAP.

Is the maintenance for Freejump vest same as Helite?

Yes

My vest stinks. What do I do?

There is no simple answer to this. Actually, it is simple. Get more than 1 vest. Since you will be using these vests everyday and for competition, you will need more than just 1. We recommend starting with atleast 2 and then adding on.

Conclusion

We hope we have answered your questions related to Helite/Freejump airbag safety vests. If you still have questions or have a tip to share, please enter in the Comments section below. As always, do not hesitate to contact us for any questions. We are here to help.

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Helite vs Freejump : Airbag Safety Vests Comparison

You may already have noticed a lot of your fellow riders are wearing the airbag safety vests. If you are on the fence about these vests, we are here to help. In this blog post, we specifically compare the 2 airbag safety jackets side-by-side to help you with your decision making.

First, let us start with what is common between the airbags

Helite Airbag Safety Vest with Full Protection "ZipIn2"
Helite Airbag Safety Vest with Full Protection “ZipIn2”
Freejump Equestrian Airbag Safety Vest "Zip'In 2" Standalone
Freejump Equestrian Airbag Safety Vest “Zip’In 2” Standalone

Technology

The underlying technology is the same. By “same”, we mean identical. In fact, the Freejump airbag safety vest is also manufactured by Helite. That is correct. Both the Helite and Freejump vests are made by Helite in France. As you may know, Helite is a world leader in airbag technology. Their expertise is deep in the airbag space, regardless of sports/activity. Whether it is cycling, motorcycling or equestrian, they incorporate the latest airbag technology in their products. So you can be rest assured that with either of these vests, you are getting the very best in airbag safety technology.

Manufactured In France

Both the airbag vests are manufactured by Helite in France. The materials used for manufacturing the airbag as well as the outer shell are identical.

Now that we have covered the common ground between these 2 top rated safety vests, let us discuss the differences.

Show Jacket Compatibility

So far, we offer the 2 models from Dada Sport that are airbag-compatible. There are currently no airbag compatible show jackets for Men. Both the models from Dada Sport are designed for women. The two models are :

Since the underlying airbag technology is the same, the show jackets that are approved for use with Helite are also approved for Freejump. The converse holds true as well. There is a small point to note here:

The Freejump Airbag Safety Vest is called “Zip-Free”, whereas the Helite Vest is called “Zip’In 2”. The “Zip-Free” implies that the vest does not need to be zipped inside of a show jacket or outer vest. i.e. you can simply wear a compatible show jacket on top of your Freejump vest.

The Helite vest has a zipper bordering the lapel and collar. This allows it to be “zipped in” to a compatible show jacket or another vest. Keep in mind, you do not have to “zip in” to a show jacket. You can simply wear the show jacket on top without any loss of safety.

Care and Maintenance

These airbag safety vests are not machine washable. The airbag will get damaged, if washed. We have another post on how to care and maintain your safety vest.

Sizing

In general, the Freejump vest is a bit more athletic fitted than Helite’s vest. Of particular difference is the cut around the shoulders area. The size charts for both vests are shown below for easy comparison.

Size Chart for Freejump Airbag Safety Vest

Freejump Airbag Safety Jacket Vest Size Chart in Inches
Freejump Airbag Safety Jacket Vest Size Chart in Inches

Size Chart for Helite Zip In 2

Zip In vs Zip Free

The Helite safety vest is called a “Zip In”. This implies that the vest can be zipped inside of a compatible show jacket. Please note that the zipping it is NOT required. The “zip in” design is essentially to keep the new safety vest backwards compatible with the airbag-compatible show jackets by Dada Sport.

For those customers that have the original 2-piece Zip In from Helite, the outer garment can be zipped onto the Zip In 2 vest easily.

Conclusion

Do you own either of these vests? What has been your experience? We want to hear from you, so leave us a comment below. Are you in the market for a safety vest? Did you have a question we can answer for you? Ask us your question below.

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What’s New for KASK Equestrian in 2021?

We have been super excited about the KASK brand in general, ever since they first stepped into the equestrian market back in 2015.

A few new notable changes are coming for KASK in 2021.

Sizes 60 (US 7 1/2) through 63 (US 7 3/4) available in KASK Dogma Star Lady Helmets

KASK is introducing 4 new sizes for its most popular helmet line: The KASK Star Lady helmets (including Star Lady Shadow, Star Lady Chrome, Star Lady Hunter) will be available in sizes 60, 61, 62 and 63. Until now, the Star Lady line of helmets was limited to sizes 51 through 59.

Because of higher demand, KASK is introducing these larger sizes. We have these helmets in stock in the newer sizes. We are very excited about this move as the Star Lady line of helmets is the most popular KASK line.

These new sizes are available in all the Dogma Star Lady Helmets (wide brim)

NEW Equestrian Styled Groom Bag Backpack

KASK is also launching a new product: an equestrian backpack in 2 different sizes. This is new teritorry for KASK as they traditionally have a background in safety helmets. We are super thrilled to start carrying these backpacks as well. If we were to describe these backpacks in one word, it would be “SLEEK”. The backpacks are available in 2 different sizes: 22 Litres capacity and 26 Litres Capacity.

Chinstrap Cover designed for ultra-comfort

A few people have sensitive skin under their chins. This causes rashes or allergies from the rubbing of the chinstrap. Worry not anymore! KASK Equestrian has just launched a very small and thin helmet chinstrap cover that envelopes the existing chinstrap of your helmet.

Shhh….A new line of helmets from KASK is coming soon

For obvious reasons, we can not disclose all the details here. Just note that we are super excited about a new line of collection from KASK is going to hit the market in a month or so. These new helmets are Made In Italy as well. Stay tuned for more updates.

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For Horses Breeches: 2020 Guide

New for this year (2020), we are pleased to announce the Super Yoga Breeches, aka Ennie. These pants combine the styling of the previous ever popular models from For Horses.

The Ennie breeches sport back pockets like the Minnie breeches. However, just like the Remie breeches, the knee grip silicone is seamless and stickier. Simple innovation is what makes FH stands out. On that front, For Horses does not disappoint. Rather than bringing out a confusing array of 20 different models, they come up with one winner.

For Horses Ladies Lightweight Technical Show Jumping Breeches with Flap Back Pockets and Seamless Silicone Knee Grip "Ennie"
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Technical Show Jumping Breeches with Flap Back Pockets and Seamless Silicone Knee Grip “Ennie”

WEF 2020 Report for Ennie

These new “Ennie” breeches have quickly become the new favorite “must-have FH pants”. Riders love the super stretch feature along with the slimming look.

When they were first introduced in January 2020 during Week 4 of WEF, we were sold out in 3 days! That is how well received this new model has become.

For Horses Ladies Lightweight Technical Show Jumping Breeches with Flap Back Pockets and Seamless Silicone Knee Grip "Ennie"
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Technical Show Jumping Breeches with Flap Back Pockets and Seamless Silicone Knee Grip “Ennie”

New Show Shirts for 2020 by For Horses

A small but delightful collection of show shirts has been added for the new 2020 season.

It is a good mix of short sleeve and long sleeve styles. While we are in love with all the FH clothing, our favorites color is the Light Blue Pois. The Navy Bit pattern shown below is absolutely fantastic

Alzira LS Show Shirt

For Horses Ladies Lightweight Show Shirt Long Sleeves "Alzira LS"
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Show Shirt Long Sleeves “Alzira LS”

Short Sleeve Show Shirt with White Placket “Gloria” with Navy Bit Pattern

For Horses Ladies Lightweight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Horse Details "Gloria"
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Horse Details “Gloria”
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Horse Details "Gloria"
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Horse Details “Gloria”
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Horse Details "Gloria"
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Horse Details “Gloria”
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Horse Details "Gloria"
For Horses Ladies Lightweight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Horse Details “Gloria”

This new beautiful shirt “Gloria” is available in the Navy Bit, Navy and Black Pois colors. Introduced during Week 5 of WEF2020, this has quickly become a bestseller.

Ultra Light Perforated Cooling Long Sleeve Classic Show Shirt “Elisabetta”

A delightful and classic addition to the For Horses collection for 2020. This shirt is only available in White. Like all the For Horses products you have come to love, this is an easy-wash shirt.

For Horses Ladies Long Sleeve Technical Show Competition Shirt with Honeycomb Ventilation "Elisabetta"
For Horses Ladies Long Sleeve Technical Show Competition Shirt with Honeycomb Ventilation “Elisabetta”
For Horses Ladies Long Sleeve Technical Show Competition Shirt with Honeycomb Ventilation "Elisabetta"
For Horses Ladies Long Sleeve Technical Show Competition Shirt with Honeycomb Ventilation “Elisabetta”
For Horses Ladies Long Sleeve Technical Show Competition Shirt with Honeycomb Ventilation "Elisabetta"
For Horses Ladies Long Sleeve Technical Show Competition Shirt with Honeycomb Ventilation “Elisabetta”

Short Sleeve Classic White Show Shirt with Perforated Fabric and Hidden Zipper “Maia”

For Horses Short Sleeve Ladies Mesh Honeycomb Competition Shirt with UV Protection and Zipper "Maia"
For Horses Short Sleeve Ladies Mesh Honeycomb Competition Shirt with UV Protection and Zipper “Maia”
For Horses Short Sleeve Ladies Mesh Honeycomb Competition Shirt with UV Protection and Zipper "Maia"
For Horses Short Sleeve Ladies Mesh Honeycomb Competition Shirt with UV Protection and Zipper “Maia”

Short Sleeve Show Shirt “Emie”

For Horses Ladies Light weight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Contrast "Emie" - Merlot
For Horses Ladies Light weight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Contrast “Emie” – Merlot
For Horses Ladies Light weight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Contrast "Emie" - Merlot
For Horses Ladies Light weight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Contrast “Emie” –
For Horses Ladies Light weight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Contrast "Emie" -
For Horses Ladies Light weight Short Sleeve Show Shirt with Contrast “Emie” –

Give Us Your Feedback!

So, there you have it. The main 2020 collection from For Horses for women’s riding wear. Which pieces do you like the best? How would you match it up? What is your favorite show shirt for the season (you can have more than one :)). Write below in the Comments. We would love to hear from you.

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Important Update COVID19 Shutdown

With the COVID19 crisis gripping the nation, we had to make the difficult decision to close our brick-and-mortar store in Wellington. In addition, WEF2020 came to an early end after Week 10 (vs 12).

We would like to remind all our customers that safety is our top priority. In such unprecendeted times, we are better off erring on the side of caution. As a result, we are heeding all the guidelines from WHO, CDC along with the state and local health agencies (including the Village of Wellington).

We have assembled a list of questions that you may have for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you still processing and shipping online orders?

Yes, we continue to fulfill online orders. We are trying our best to maintain the same speedy shipping you have come to expect of us. However, please note that carrier delays are outside our control.

Can I still place an order via phone?

Yes, you can call or text us at 561-228-8883 (Prashant) or 954-383-1599 (Amit). We appreciate your business.

Can I get better pricing because of these restrictions?

Please note that we are a small business. Just like any other small business, these are hard times. We kindly request you to not ask for any discounts/deals. We hope you will support your favorite tack shops.

Are you still taking orders for custom helmets?

Yes. Whether it is custom KASK or custom Samshield helmets, we are still taking orders. Link to each of the configurators appears below:

I would like to order a custom short jacket or a custom dressage shadbelly. Can I still do that?

Absolutely! Please reach out to us in case of any questions. Links to configurators are below for your convenience.

What about an order I placed back in Jan/Feb/March?

We will keep you informed on the status of your orders. If you ordered a custom helmet (be it KASK or Samshield), please note that there is additional delays because of worldwide lockdowns. As soon as we have specific information for your order, we will pass it along.

I placed an order for a pair of breeches/shirts etc during WEF. When can I expect it?

We will keep you posted, preferably via a text message or send you a DM on Instagram.

Can I cancel an order that I have not received?

You are always welcome to cancel your order. However, we would appreciate your support in these trying times. Please bear with us as we navigate through these tough times.

If I ordered something that shows “In Stock”, how soon can I receive it?

In almost all cases, “In Stock” items are shipped either the same business day or the next business day. That has not changed.

What if I want to Return or exchange?

Please contact us via phone or email. We will be glad to help you.

Can I visit the Wellington store?

For now, (until further notice), the store is closed pursuant to the directive from the State Of Florida and Village Of Wellington. As soon as the directive changes, we will re open the store. Information on Google, Facebook and Instagram will be posted.

I still have product or shipping specific questions. Can I ask them ?

You can always contact us via the Facebook Messenger Chat widget on our website. There are no bots on the other end. We will try to answer your questions as best as we can.

When do you expect “Product XYZ” to come back in stock?

May we request you to kindly send us a direct message specifying the product in question? Then we can assist you better.

Are you still able to ship orders?

Yes, we are processing phone/text and online orders as usual.

What precautions are you taking against the spread of COVID19?

As soon as WEF 2020 was ended early, we have closed our store. Despite the fact that this step hurts our bottomline, our customers’ safety and well being comes first. Furthermore, we operate with masks and gloves all the time. The common areas in our store are periodically wiped with anti-bacterial wipes.